The 20 best bars in Brisbane

Arguably Brisbane’s hottest Japanese restaurant, Yoko Dining, celebrated its fifth anniversary with the launch of B-Side – a sleek upstairs bar that strikes the perfect balance of fun and finesse. Inspired by Tokyo’s lovely back-alley record bar izakayas, B-Side serves up big, bold flavours with a menu featuring everything from Highballs, sake and slushies to Wagyu katsu sliders, ramen and sashimi sliced to order. Let the good times roll with live DJs spinning every night, including Retro Vinyl Sessions on Mondays.

For a little bar, Maker certainly packs a big punch. The 20-seater den of black minimalism shakes and stirs an ever-changing list of cocktails, each presented like a true work of art. Stick with one from the seasonal menu or be bold with a bespoke cocktail – just tell the bartenders what you’re in the mood for. Pair your tipple with bar snacks that you absolutely won’t find elsewhere in town.

The Nixon Room is the chic, little sister of Essa – one of Brisbane’s trendiest eateries where each plate is a revelry of nature’s best. That being considered, expect nothing short of a memorable night out at the restaurant’s Martini bar spin-off. The hidden space just off James Street in Fortitude Valley keeps things casual. Pair your cocktail with funky snacks, like kettle chips and truffle mayo, or potato gems topped with culture cream and caviar.

It’s all about booze, brunch and bangers at this late-night gem in Newstead. A sibling to Mrs Brown’s Bar and Kitchen and located right next to The Triffid, Stratton is the perfect spot to kick off or wind down your night. Housed inside two historic war hangars, the venue features a sun-kissed garden atrium and a moody dining hall with a glamorous double bar. There’s always something happening at Strattons, whether it’s Pizza and Pours on Wednesday nights, Spritz Saturdays or jazz-fuelled Sunday Brunch. Strattons’ house-smoked tequila and mezcal bring a special twist to classic cocktails, but you’ll also be spoilt for choice with refreshing Spritzes, a flavour-driven wine list and a broad beer selection. Trust us, you won’t go thirsty.

This quaint Queenslander-style pub takes up position at the more relatable end of swanky James Street, opposite the QA Hotel, on the corner of Arthur Street. She's got street appeal in spades with a pitched tin roof, side verandah and white-painted weatherboards. On weekends, the throng spills onto the footpath benches shaded by striped umbrellas, while inside, they settle in around Sixes' central bar and long tables of reclaimed timber. Order a grazing board to share, while imbibing in Sixes' list of house cocktails, bubbles, tap beers and wine served from the barrel in carafes.

A craft beer, wine and liquor bar that does great food, Zero Fox is the kind of place you take a date when you want to look sophisticated without spending much money. Their Japanese/Korean fusion menu comes in tapas-style portions that are priced between $7 and $19. Special mention goes to the katsu sandos, which are neat little sandwiches filled with richly crumbed pork and crunchy ’slaw. There are also heaps of vegetarian options, along with a considered drinks menu that features an exhaustive list of Australian gins. So come along for the food, but stay so you can drink your way through a gin from every state and territory in the nation.

West End might be renowned for its cheap and cheerful bars, but this definitely isn’t one of them. Behind the floor-to-ceiling velvet curtain, more than 300 bottles of whisky await, with some seriously luxe drams on offer. Served with an eyedropper of water or hand-cut ice, if you must. 

Right on the banks of the river under the Story Bridge, this is the easiest, breeziest spot in Brisbane to while away a Sunday session. Nab a table on the deck or sprawl on a picnic rug on the lawn and work your way through the fresh, frothy ales and lagers brewed on-site.

It really is all fun and games at this corner bar at the seedy end of the Valley. In addition to the best collection of retro arcade games, there are 24 local beers on tap, handmade sodas, live music and the tastiest bar snacks around (many of them vegan). 

We almost guarantee the decor at this overwater bar is unlike anything you’ve seen before: think 70’s discotheque meets sunny Mediterranean. The latter sets the scene for an Italian-inspired menu with plenty of seafood share dishes, pasta and pizzas, plus aperitivo hour on weekdays. Perch yourself at the towering bar for oysters and a Spritz, or head out to the deck for Moreton Bay bug rolls and fresh burrata with crispy bread.

If walls could talk, the Gresham would sit you down, buy you a glass of scotch and go on all night about the space’s substantial history. From its inception as the Queensland National Bank to witnessing thousand-man brawls, the 19th-century building has seen its fair share of scenes. Nowadays, the space plays host to less bar fights and more spirit-tasting flights. The Gresham is cosy and rustic, and with its cascading bar and antique photo hangings, you might just feel like you’ve taken a couple of steps back in time.

Cloudland is something of a wonderland, if you will. We’ll try to set the scene for you, but you’re better off experiencing it with your own eyes: think towering high glass ceilings, a waterfall flowing in the bar’s centre and illuminated marble bars. And that’s before you’ve even ventured into the Crystal Palais booths, a groovy space that’s a dark opulent take on oriental-cross-Balinese decor with its earthy wooden centrepiece, warm hues and retro posters. Come for a drink, or consider it for a function that you’ll be talking about long after the tab is settled. 

If Canvas Club isn’t on your to-visit list for date night, add it now. We could think of far worse places to sit while sipping on a New York Sour and perusing the tapas menu. If you’re brave enough to venture past the classics, then go down the ‘choose your own’ gin and tonic route for a perfectly (and personally) crafted cocktail. As you move through the bar, it’s like you’re entering a new world each time. Take your pick from the dimly lit booths of the Art Deco room or cosy up in the garden area where fairy lights illuminate all the lush greenery. 

The motto here is simple: No pretension, no dress code, just ‘damn’ good drinkin’. If glitzy Park Road seems like an unlikely location for a friendly little dive bar, don’t take our word for it. Stop by and see what tasty draft beer is on offer this week. BYO food and dogs.